Pain is the mechanism that our bodies use to tell us that all is not well. Once we are aware of what is wrong, we can well do without it continuing, unfortunately that is not how it works.   For those of us who suffer with chronic conditions such as arthritis, headaches (including migraines), tendinitis, and other painful ailments, it’s all too tempting to reach for commercial painkillers like ibuprofen. But is that the best course of action?

There are other natural pain relief agents that Mother Nature has thoughtfully provided it is just a matter of knowing which ones work and which ones don’t.

Natural pain relief agent # 1 – Dark Cherries

A recent study carried out by the John Hopkins Pain Treatment Centre has confirmed that Anthocyanins, a type of bioflavonoid, or plant pigment that is found in dark fruits such as cherries, are proficient at being able to block the pain signals that emanate from inflammation. Sitting down and enjoying munching on 20 cherries can help to remedy joint pain, stomach pain, and other pain that is caused by inflammation. It can also help to ease PMS symptoms too.

Natural pain relief agent # 2 – Ginger Root

Ginger root, used in Ayurvedic medicine, is a renowned natural pain relief agent. Ginger powder, which can be bought in any supermarket store selling spice, has the ability to lessen pain by inhibiting certain toxic compounds that your body manufactures, which are the cause of inflammation that causes pain in your joints and muscles.

You can also chop fresh ginger root and make it into a paste which can then be applied topically to joints and muscles radiating pain. Ginger root can also be eaten, and as such is a very effective remedy for stomach pain and nausea. Many moms-to-be also chew Ginger to help to ward-off the dreaded morning sickness.

Natural pain relief agent # 3 – Cold-water fish

Cold water fish such as herring, mackerel, sardines, salmon, and tuna are renowned for good health. The omega-3 fatty acids that cold water fish contains enhances cardiovascular health, and lessens any inflammation that might gather around cartilage.

Not many people are aware however that eating these fishes can also help to fight the pain of back injury, painful joints, and neck injury.

Natural pain relief agent # 4 – Tahini

Tahini, which is used in North African, Greek Turkish and Middle Eastern cookery, is also an excellent pain relief agent. It is made from ground sesame seeds and is rich in magnesium, a mineral that many people have a deficiency of. This mineral has many health benefits, amongst which is the ability to ease muscle tension. You can also used it for treating headaches and sore muscles. You can make your own by following this link.

Natural pain relief agent # 5 – Turmeric

The Indian spice Turmeric is legendary for its many health benefits. It contains Curcumin, which gives it its natural anti-inflammatory characteristics. Turmeric powder is made from the Turmeric plant and is a beautifully fragrant and golden spice, which in addition to helping you to fight pain naturally, is also a great flavor additive, (and a great colorant too) for any salads and casseroles.

Natural pain relief agent # 6 – Aloe Vera Juice

Aloe Vera gel is renowned as a topical treatment by way of a skin moisturizer and helps to soothe and heal burns. But what many people are not aware of is that you can drink AV juice and that when you, do it is a super remedy for stomach ulcers. If you drink AV juice twice per day it will help to treat the symptoms which include pain, feelings of nausea and fatigue (because of the blood loss that ulcers can engender); it also helps to accelerate recovery.

Natural pain relief agent # 7 – Organic Papaya Fruit

Papaya fruit contains an enzyme known as Papain. This enzyme is a natural anti-inflammatory straight out of Mother Nature’s closet. It works best when it is combined with Bromelain (contained in Pineapple). Papain is sometimes employed following a surgical procedure when it helps to lessen any swelling and pain. Papaya extract is a rich source of powerful antioxidants, and it also contains many vitamins which are helpful in underpinning and enhancing many body functions. A great way of consuming Papaya is as a smoothie.

Pain relief agent # 8 – Raw Probiotic yogurt

The human digestive and intestinal tracts house billions of bacteria, both good and bad. Good bacteria fulfills an important function in promoting the digestive process. If the proportion of bad bacteria outweighs that of good, it can have an adverse affect on digestion and cause many related illnesses and conditions, including skin rashes and hair loss. It can also bring about a hormonal imbalance, which leads to further illness. The live bacterial cultures in probiotic yogurt supplement the good bacteria already in the gut, helping to remedy many conditions including IBS, flatulence and painful bloating of the abdomen.

Pain relief agent # 9 – Hot Peppers (Chilies)

Hot peppers (chilies) contain a substance known as Capsaicin, which is a natural ingredient that you’ll find in many topical pain relief creams and ointments. Capsaicin has the ability to draw something called substance-P, out of your nerves. Substance-P is a chemical messenger that carries a signal to the brain that it translates as pain. When you effectively block the messenger, you block the pain too.

Whenever you apply Capsaicin cream, which you can either buy over the counter, or make yourself (follow this link to the recipe), be sure to wear disposable gloves, and don’t get any in your eyes.

Pain relief agent # 10 – Peppermint

Peppermint is an excellent treatment for soothing muscle spasms.  It is the Menthol in Peppermint that works the magic. You can purchase Peppermint oil over the counter at many supermarkets and health food stores, which you can then apply topically to the areas where the pain is.

For treating headaches, simply crush some fresh Peppermint leaves against your temples or alternatively make a peppermint tisane, which is great for relaxing stressed and painful muscles.

Banish pain naturally and get your health back in order

The one thing that disrupts any healthy lifestyle more than anything else is pain; especially when it is a regular event. Knowing about these natural pain relief agents as discussed above, can help you to banish any pain in a natural way, without any chemically manufactured drugs, and can help to get your holistic health lifestyle back in order.